Enterprise Control Systems (ECS) recently launched ECS Connect, a next-generation intelligent data link network manager designed to deliver seamless, secure connectivity across airborne, maritime, and ground operations.
As mission environments become more complex, operators require reliable, real-time data transmission without the burden of manually managing multiple communication systems. ECS Connect addresses this challenge by automatically selecting and switching between communication protocols to ensure uninterrupted video, audio, and data transfer.
What is ECS Connect?
ECS Connect is a first-of-its-kind data link network management solution that intelligently aggregates and manages multiple communication technologies, including:
- COFDM data links
- SATCOM communications
- LTE and Cellular networks
- MESH networks
By continuously monitoring signal strength, location, and mission requirements, ECS Connect automatically selects the optimal communication path to ensure maximum reliability and cost efficiency.
This intelligent automation reduces operational complexity and ensures continuous connectivity across air, land, and sea missions.
The Challenge of Multi-Network Data Links
Modern defence, security, and public safety operations depend on secure real-time situational awareness. However, no single communication protocol provides complete coverage.
Dedicated COFDM links such as ECS Evenlode deliver exceptional robustness and low latency, making them ideal as a primary transmission bearer. However, they depend on ground infrastructure coverage.
Alternative networks such as satellite and cellular systems can extend coverage and reduce operational costs but may be less reliable in contested or remote environments.
Operators traditionally must manually manage these networks, increasing workload and risk of communication disruption.
ECS Connect removes this burden.
Intelligent Network Switching
ECS Connect continuously evaluates available networks and automatically switches between communication protocols based on:
- Geographic location
- Signal strength
- Available infrastructure
- Mission priorities
- Operational costs
This intelligent approach ensures operators always maintain access to the most reliable communication channel available.
The result is:
- Continuous data availability
- Improved operational efficiency
- Reduced communication costs
- Simplified mission workflows
Reliable Connectivity for Airborne Operations
Airborne platforms increasingly operate across complex mission environments including:
- Border surveillance
- Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR)
- Maritime patrol
- Law enforcement support
- Disaster response
ECS Connect acts as a managed data link service in the air, automatically handling network selection and optimisation.
This reduces pilot workload and eliminates the need for additional onboard link management operators while maintaining continuous intelligence flow.
Designed for Mission-Critical Communications
ECS Connect has been developed in response to growing global demand for secure and resilient data links between airborne platforms and ground stations.
Built on more than 30 years of RF engineering experience, ECS Connect reflects ECS’s evolution from a hardware provider to a complete managed connectivity solutions partner.
The system is designed to support:
- Defence operations
- Border security missions
- Public safety deployments
- Security operations
- Maritime surveillance
Key Benefits of ECS Connect
Seamless Connectivity
Automatic switching between communication protocols ensures uninterrupted data transfer.
Intelligent Automation
Removes the need for manual network management and reduces operator workload.
Resilient Communications
Maintains reliable links even in challenging or contested environments.
Cost Efficiency
Optimises network selection to reduce transmission costs.
Mission Flexibility
Supports operations across air, land, and maritime domains.
The Future of Data Link Management
ECS Connect represents a significant advancement in intelligent data link technology, enabling organisations to move beyond single-network solutions toward adaptive, multi-network communications.
As defence and security organisations demand higher levels of situational awareness and operational efficiency, intelligent network management will become essential.
ECS Connect is the first step toward a new generation of smart, resilient, mission-ready data links.
Learn More About ECS Connect
To learn more about ECS Connect and how it can improve your mission connectivity, please Contact Us – or if you are visiting Security and Policing (from March 10-12th in Farnborough UK), we will be showcasing our advanced security and defence solutions, including the very first public demonstration of the new ECS Connect on Stand E60 – please pop by and meet the team to learn more!
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